Anna, HCDC, Harvard Center on the Developing Child, has resources and information on this concern with guidance for both children and adults. My program is reopening June 1st, and will re-start with the focus of children's emotional needs. I will be closely observing behaviors for signs of stress, and creating inside and outside classroom environments full of interesting, calming materials and experiences, especially with sensorial work. Being mindful of the children's emotional state and needs will promote their resilient nature to emerge. The consistent and welcome atmosphere of the classroom will be their soft place to land as they adjust and adapt to how things are now.
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/guide/a-guide-to-covid-19-and-early-childhood-development/------------------------------
Martha Rae, M.Ed.
a2z Academie (a home-based, Montessori inspired 3K and pre-K program)
Valparaiso, IN
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2020 11:17 AM
From: Anna Parker
Subject: Meeting Developmental Needs of the Children
We've focused on the health and safety issues related to opening post covid, but have we truly considered what the children will need socially, emotionally, and developmentally? How can we meet them where they are and help them to find the trust and security they had before the virus? I wonder if we should all be brushing up on our skills of dealing with traumatized children, remembering that we ourselves have been also been affected and are victims too. I'd be grateful for any and all suggestions.
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Anna Parker
Whitehorse Yukon
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